Is vocation for me?

Yes, vocation is for everyone, although it wasn’t always thought to be. In Luther’s time, only those called to work in religious occupations (priest, nun, monk) were thought to have a vocation. Luther claimed that this view was too narrow, and that all people are called to service in this world through their work and relationships with others.

How can I discover my vocation?

Wild Hope takes its name from a poem called The Summer Day by Mary Oliver. In this evocative piece, she poses the profound invocation: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” The first part of discovering your vocation invites recognition of its wild and hopeful nature. The second part, also mentioned in this quotation, encompasses the depth of planning that goes into such all-encompassing life decisions. Deliberate, thoughtful exploration and discovery is an important part of finding a vocation. Unearthing your vocation, while not directly mentioned in the quote above, also involves deep and sincere listening—making space to be still and pay attention to the questions that give direction to your life. Vocational calls come in many forms, and it is only through attentive exploration that we develop the capacity to hear them.

Does vocation relate to my career?

Yes it does—absolutely. Your career becomes an integral part of who you are. After all, you are likely to spend the majority of each day engaged in your work. That is why the Wild Hope Center for Vocation works so closely with Career Connections to help students find the right internships and jobs. However, your vocation is also much more than your career. The Center’s links to other campus partners (Campus Ministry, Student Involvement and Leadership, Center for Community Engagement and Service) will help you explore the multifaceted ways in which your vocation may manifest itself in your life.